Post-Game Thread: Browns Weren't Too Bad
by Chris Pokorny on Dec 6, 2009 10:40 PM EST
in General News
210 comments
After Sunday's 30-23 loss to the San Diego Chargers, I think we can come away from the game thinking, "that wasn't too bad." All things considered, this game had the makings of a blowout before it started, with the Browns losing their best defensive player last week and losing their starting running back. Instead, we saw several young players on offense step up...
- WR Brian Robiskie: 4 catches for 69 yards.
- TE Evan Moore: 6 catches for 80 yards.
- RB Jerome Harrison: 10 carries for 35 yards. 7 catches for 62 yards and 2 touchdowns.
While Brady Quinn had a costly fumble early on, his performance was arguably one of the best ones of his career, as he tossed three touchdowns and looked more comfortable for most of the game.
The defensive side of things weren't as pretty, as we watched Antonio Gates catch jump balls over our defenders all game long, and the Charger running backs take off on dumpoff patterns all game long. It's a short week until our next game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh have lost four straight after falling to the Raiders. It might not seem like the Browns can beat the Steelers, but after Pittsburgh has lost to Kansas City and now Oakland, who knows?
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What do you know Harrison and Robiskie CAN play football!
This is just more proof that Mangini has failed this season as a coach and in his decision making abilities.
Regardless of the reasons that Mangini was holding both these guys out of the lineup, he should have been playing them earlier in the season.
Mangini = FAIL
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Dawg Scooper: An Unofficial Cleveland Browns Source
man you are so full of hate for mangini, did he sleep with your girlfriend or something?
by notthatnoise on Dec 6, 2009 11:43 PM EST up reply actions
Not hate, just dislike toward his many failed decisions this year.
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Dawg Scooper: An Unofficial Cleveland Browns Source
Perhaps it was he who judged that Robiskie was ready and thus put him in?
This seems to be the case for me.
Though I don’t agree with his decision on Harrison though.
More like Mangini was feeling too mcuh pressure to play Robiskie instead of playing Jake Allen, which was completely ridiculous.
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Dawg Scooper: An Unofficial Cleveland Browns Source
If Robiskie played he would be the 4th or 5th receiver. Allen played as the 5th. Yet Allen coulda played special teams.
Try viewing things from more than one side.
I did until Allen was playing over Robiskie..
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Dawg Scooper: An Unofficial Cleveland Browns Source
Why should it matter? I don’t care who is playing over Robiskie if Robiskie sucked in training, and the guy that came in is better for that week. 2nd round picks do not deserve to play because of where they were drafted.
Who said anything about playing someone because of where they are drafted?
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Dawg Scooper: An Unofficial Cleveland Browns Source
It’s very easy to tell that this is the exact reason you’re whining. You had no clue of Robiske or Allen’s NFL abilities but you keep making a case that Mangini should be hanged for his management of Robiske? You’re biased because Robo was a 2nd round pick. I agree with Skippy.
by SpecialBrownie on Dec 7, 2009 11:46 PM EST up reply actions
Well if Robiskie had more then 1 catch he might have seen more time on the field.When he was on the he looked lost and confused.
I don’t agree with every move Mangini has made like keep giving Lewis the ball or keeping Daboll as OC but he does have a point in playing time is earned not given.
by Brownsfan4ever on Dec 7, 2009 3:33 AM EST up reply actions
I’m sorry you agree with Mangini…
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Dawg Scooper: An Unofficial Cleveland Browns Source
Mangini shot your dog, didn’t he?
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 7, 2009 11:03 AM EST up reply actions
Thank you Rocland.
http://dawgscooper.blogspot.com/
Dawg Scooper: An Unofficial Cleveland Browns Source
but have you ever liked Mangini?
"This season has been everything most of us feared it would be[.]"
Mike Rutherford, Card Chronicle
http://www.cardchronicle.com/
Up until the third game of the season.
http://dawgscooper.blogspot.com/
Dawg Scooper: An Unofficial Cleveland Browns Source
That logic I can understand, but you seem to have a special hatred that usually only comes when you’re personally violated by someone. I mean, we’re debating in just what way Robo is a bust, and then he comes out and looks pretty good. This is good news, no?
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 7, 2009 12:03 PM EST up reply actions
Good news, yes, but he could have contributed earlier on, and that’s one of the issues I have with Mangini right now.
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Dawg Scooper: An Unofficial Cleveland Browns Source
how can you possibly know he could have contributed earlier on? I probably want robi to succeed more than anyone else on this board, but i have a really hard time believing a coach would keep someone on the sideline if they gave them a better chance of winning.
I do you know that he wouldn’t have contributed early on?
Do you have THAT much faith in Mangini?
I’m sorry if you do.
That’s why this is a case of my opinion vs. yours.
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Dawg Scooper: An Unofficial Cleveland Browns Source
this isn’t about mangini so much as it is about nfl coaches. notice i said “a coach,” without specifying mangini. if you truly believe ANY coach would hold back a player that could contribute, i have a tinfoil hat you can come pick up some time.
you seem like you NEVER had any faith in mangini, or if you did you lost it all over one decision (putting in DA). why didn’t you trust him to begin with? are you this suspicious of everyone in your life?
I’m not even going to respond anymore, because once you make it personal, then I’m out.
Very immature thing to say in a football debate.
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Dawg Scooper: An Unofficial Cleveland Browns Source
Well, that’s it for me. When posts start disappearing, that’s when I check out. It’s been fun talkin’ to all of you this season. Go Browns!
Not that I had anything to do with the deletion, but I did see the post, and I think anything that can be construed as foul language should have the right to be deleted.
wait did i miss something? did one of my posts get deleted, or was it something else and i missed it completely? i don’t remember using any foul language, but maybe i did?
golan posted something that was deleted. He appears to have taken issue with it. I think I can understand why it was deleted, so I hope he doesn’t leave for good.
ok i wanted to make sure i didn’t post anything construed as too offensive or anything, thanks
by notthatnoise on Dec 7, 2009 10:53 PM EST up reply actions
I think you know why your post was deleted. It was innapropriate — we have rules here. There’s no reason to get upset, just don’t do it again.
by Buckeye Brad on Dec 7, 2009 10:53 PM EST up reply actions
Happened to see your missing post, golanbatrac. A bit blue, it’s true – and giggle producing, I have to say. Not worth bailing over to my mind, though.
Hope you choose to stick around. Either way, keep the faith!
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 8, 2009 1:47 AM EST up reply actions
Sorry to get into this debate, and I’m not taking sides, but there are special instances where a coach does hold a player back who could contribute. See the Philadelphia Eagles a few years back with T.O. Yes that’s a rare issue, but they benched him because he was being an ass, not for lack of production on the field, he was averaging over 100 yds per game at that point!
Robiskie’s situation is likely performance based, but to be fair, there may be special circumstances that warrant benching a player who could contribute.
"There is a small, but important difference between peeing in the pool and peeing into the pool." - Demitri Martin
I would be more inclined to agree with Wolf if Robiskie hadn’t seen time earlier in the year and done absolutely nothing. I am excited that he had some production yesterday, but he still has a long way to go.
Supposed to be ’How"
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Dawg Scooper: An Unofficial Cleveland Browns Source
Well didn’t he play earlier in the year without much real contribution?
I don’t know, I haven’t been at the practices, so maybe there was something Robiskie was doing that Mangini didn’t like or something that he was not doing that Mangini wanted him to do.
I like that Mangini wouldn’t just play him as if it was his birthright as a 2nd rounder, and it sounds like he made him earn it.
Also, Robiskie could have just not looked that great. I could certainly understand it, as I am sure the Browns’ playbook is too big to begin with, and I am pretty sure Ohio State’s is too small. He’s also trying to play one of the hardest positions for rookies to make an impact at in the NFL and had relatively little chemistry between himself and both of his potential QBs, in an offense that is horribly designed.
I don’t think not playing him in and of itself is all three 1. egregious and 2. Mangini’s fault, and 3. Something that Mangini could correct mid-season even if he saw the problem and wanted to fix it.
Well sorry you can’t seem to see that Robiskie did not produce when he was on the field before and we as fans have no clue what goes on during the week leading up to the game.There could have been issues with Robo making the wrong read or not holding on to the ball in this case yes a man should not play.
Sorry that you hate Mangini so much that you see wrong in everything the man does.
by Brownsfan4ever on Dec 7, 2009 6:54 PM EST up reply actions
This is a ridiculous assertion. If we’ve learned anything about Mangini this year, it’s that he doesn’t make football decisions based on the opinions of the fans or media.
Mangini just makes bad decisions.
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Dawg Scooper: An Unofficial Cleveland Browns Source
You make bad evaluations of Mangini’s decisions. So far you’ve said he’s aweful because he’s lost 11 games and hasn’t played Robo (who caught 1 pass prior to yesterday) and Veikune.
Well losing 11 games is a legitimate concern. But with as young as our team was at the beginning of the season and with all the issues we’ve had (quarterback controversy, weeding out the poisonous players in the locker room, legal troubles for Stallworth, starters on the IR, rookie mistakes, need I go on?…), I feel like it’s understandable.
At this point, with the condemnation you’re dishing out for not playing people who haven’t performed in or out of practice, I’m glad he’s making the decisions and not you.
You are rather assuming that Robo had no problems other than Mangini standing between him and the field. Big assumption.
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 7, 2009 12:34 AM EST up reply actions
My only assumption is that Robiskie was a high 2nd round pick that was rotting on the bench in street clothes and that was a waste of a talented WR who can actually catch the ball.
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Dawg Scooper: An Unofficial Cleveland Browns Source
He certainly caught it – and got open! – today, bless him. Now whether he could have done that earlier in the season, that’s an open question.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled to see him on the field and being productive, but just because he did that today doesn’t prove anything about the past.
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 7, 2009 12:44 AM EST up reply actions
You do realize he was on the field for several games this year and had something like 11 targets. He wasn’t getting open and our passing game kinda sucked. Last week, he got outplayed by Allen in practice, who they also needed on special teams.
fka "DaytonDogg". Now a contributor to SBN's Dawgs By Nature. www.dawgsbynature.com
I understand all of the injuries, however If the Browns have the shot at drafting Suh and by pass him I will become a CFL fan.
Not bad. Quinn did miss some throws, the fumble was huge, however he made some throws, the opening drive was solid, and it looked like he had a clue.
I hated the end of the first half, the two minute drill which was basically take a knee. I did not understand Dabol’s play calling, yeah what a surprise.
And why is it that Mangini always looks pissed off, I mean every minute of the game.
you’d look pissed off too if you were coaching that mess
by notthatnoise on Dec 6, 2009 11:44 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe it’s just when the camera chooses to cut to Mangini, but he doesn’t seem to do a lot of in-game coaching.
by Western Reserve on Dec 7, 2009 9:21 AM EST up reply actions
I didn’t mind the playcalling at the end of the first half. We were on the 30 yard line with a little over a minute left — it was very unlikely that we would drive the field and we didn’t want to give them the ball with time on the clock.
by Buckeye Brad on Dec 6, 2009 11:44 PM EST up reply actions
I felt like we couldn’t decide whether we were going to try to run clock or try to run a two minute drill. I don’t think we could have just elected to run the ball and thus the clock because SD had timeouts remaining. But we really didn’t seem to try a two minute offense either. It seemed a little scatterbrained.
by Western Reserve on Dec 7, 2009 9:23 AM EST up reply actions
I think they tried a two-minute offense and then when they didn’t get a completion decided to run out the clock. Which makes sense.
by Buckeye Brad on Dec 7, 2009 11:38 AM EST up reply actions
Maybe so, that’s just what I felt at the time. Truthfully, I’d have to go back and review the exact succession of plays.
by Western Reserve on Dec 7, 2009 12:07 PM EST up reply actions
If I am not mistaken, Browns had 2:33 on the clock with two timeouts. Why not run your two minute drill.
Sure they cut to Mangini when the Browns might make a bad play, but hell even when the Browns make a good play and they cut to him his expression is the same.
I don’t know if I was playing for the guy the shit would get old, even Coughlin for the Giants gets juiced on a TD. Sure he has won a Super Bowl, but maybe Mangini should just lighten up a tiny bit.
I agree, Suh needs to be lining up next to Shaun Rogers in 2010.
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Dawg Scooper: An Unofficial Cleveland Browns Source
You really going to quit the team over a bad draft pick? Pfft. Go root for Buffalo.
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 7, 2009 12:37 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Come on I have rooted for this team a long time, just a sense of sarcasam here. However if they bypass the guy, they should have there head examined.
Sorry, I meant my reply sarcastically as well. Should have added a smile!
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 7, 2009 3:29 PM EST up reply actions
My favorite is when after a bad play they showed Daboll with a clueless look on his face and then showed Mangini with a “WTF, mate?” look on his face with Daboll walking behind him. I kept thinking Mangini was going to spin around and smack the clipboard out of Daboll’s hand.
"This season has been everything most of us feared it would be[.]"
Mike Rutherford, Card Chronicle
http://www.cardchronicle.com/
I don’t think the fumble was really bradys fault, most would have fumbled that.
by HenryDawg on Dec 7, 2009 3:41 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, I can’t fault him that much, other than hanging onto it just a tad too long, but the guy who was blocking him was Joe Thomas. That’s what’s great about Thomas, he’s a shutdown left tackle, whoever is the QB never really has to worry about defenders from the left side. For once, I’ll actually fault JT. One time in a season is acceptable right?
"There is a small, but important difference between peeing in the pool and peeing into the pool." - Demitri Martin
Something that bothered me were the amount of drops. Catches with no one within 5 yards of you can’t be that hard. I’m looking at Harrison and Vickers.
That one Vickers drop was ugly, and Harrison had a couple too. That said, I thought there were a lot fewer egregious drops than in some recent games.
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 7, 2009 12:41 AM EST up reply actions
I’m wondering if you say it because you’re used to seeing drops haha
I know I didn’t feel as frustrated and just shrugged it off. But really they should be caught. They weren’t huge drops aka BE, but it would’ve helped.
Heh. I’m sure comparing it to recent experience is part of what’s going on. And you’re right, those little mistakes add up. But I’m still going to count the overall effort as progress….
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 7, 2009 12:51 AM EST up reply actions
Well, how many times have Harrison and Vickers been targeted during the season? I mean, it’s really not an excuse because it’s the NFL, but I don’t remember either of them being targeted before today…
You could say Harrison was rusty I guess. But still.
Vickers has dropped at least one before this. If my memory serves me correct.
Well, Vickers has all of 8 catches this year, typically about one a game, and Harrison has 28, although nothing from Week 8 through Week 11. Not sure about overall targets though.
I give Harrison more credit this week because he did some nice things…
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 7, 2009 2:58 AM EST up reply actions
Harrison had 31 targets before yesterday, catching 68% of those passes.
Vickers had 14 targets before yesterday, catching 50% of those passes.
Those are very low catch percentages for running backs.
http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/rb
fka "DaytonDogg". Now a contributor to SBN's Dawgs By Nature. www.dawgsbynature.com
Good link, RK. I knew those numbers were out there somewhere.
Statistically, Vickers is an awful receiver.
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 7, 2009 9:53 AM EST up reply actions
The worst part about that is Vickers and Harrison would both be a lot more dangerous if they caught the ball consistently. We could do so many more things on offense.
Harrison flat out needs to be able to catch the ball because of his playing style.
Being able to catch the ball is absolutely a prerequisite to being out there on third down.
"Nobody ever thinks, 'Hey, maybe I’m actually an idiot.'" - Jay
by woodsmeister on Dec 7, 2009 11:09 AM EST up reply actions
It would be but right now we don’t really have many other options.
I do agree that his drops were bad and he needs to catch the ball. I just think if we had other options they would have been out there.
"This season has been everything most of us feared it would be[.]"
Mike Rutherford, Card Chronicle
http://www.cardchronicle.com/
I’d agree to a point. Sometimes it’s good to have a running back or two that can pass block (maybe especially with our offensive line being less than stellar). That might explain why Vickers would be out there, but not exactly Harrison…
Its the NFL. You need to be good enough at blocking, catching, and running to play RB to play. If they put one guy in and know he is going to catch the ball, while another blocks, and yet another runs, a defense can tear you apart.
I’m not saying they shouldn’t be out there this week, but that’s only because we truly don’t have better options and we can’t do much about it.
It’s just disappointing to see one of the few guys on this team with big play ability not making plays.
Quinn looked REALLY good today. From what I was seeing most of his throws were on the money, he made some tough throws, and he even threw the long ball pretty well (it’s a BIG bummer Robo couldn’t come up with that pass in the endzone… That was a SWEET pass). Robo finally got in the game. And I think Mangini was right for keeping him inactive if he wasn’t doing well in practice… you play your players that can help you win. Look at it this way… If a head coach starts a first round pick all the time and he doesn’t produce (Vernon Gohlston, anyone?) then people call him an idiot for keeping him in. Defense looked pretty bad, but with 5 injured starters and a 6th going down during the game, there’s not much you can do about that…
What do we think the chances are that our offense and defense will have good games AT THE SAME TIME this week against Pittsburgh? Oh my, a win against Pittsburgh would make me feel ALOT better about this season.
The fact that we can consider a W on Thursday without it seeming like complete wishful thinking is sure nice.
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 7, 2009 3:02 AM EST up reply actions
I am really glad that 2 out of the last 3 games the Offense showd up to bad the Defense was no were to be found.But with all the hurt players on that side of the ball I understand it.
Just got to keep pushing and is it just me or has the playbook been opened up a little more as of late?
by Brownsfan4ever on Dec 7, 2009 3:38 AM EST up reply actions
Maybe Seeley is making an impact on the offensive side? He was supposed to take on more duties relating to the offense in general, right?
Yes, I thought Carl Smith was supposed to be helping with the playcalling….
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 7, 2009 9:54 AM EST up reply actions
"It was the kind of game I expected it to be," Chargers coach Norv Turner said. "Cleveland has played an awfully hard schedule. I thought they were a good football team and it showed today."
This must have made Mangini feel good…
I loved how Quinn played. I think he is trying to show everyone that he’s the guy for this team going forward. It’s perfect because now the Browns don’t have to worry about trying to pick up a QB in the draft or free agency. We’ll see over the next few games but Harrison is showing what almost everyone thought as well. The fewer needs we go into the offseason with, the better. One thing I will mention about our last drive, sup with MoMass NOT really putting in the full effort to grab that deep pass? Then almost right after that Robo goes balls to the wall to try to make a catch in the end zone, not making the catch but preventing the INT. I thought that said a lot.
Unless someone really looks like a can’t miss, instant pro bowler guy going in to the draft, or a guy we really like (with all the physical tools) is available in the 5th+ rounds, I don’t want a QB.
Brady is showing flashes of what he can do. Will he be able to make a 250+yard, 3TD, 0 INT game an ever-week occurrence? I have no idea. But there are plenty of other positions to fill while we figure that out, and a misfire in the top 5 would set us back several years in the rebuilding process.
Agree with this. Seeing a couple of good games from BQ in a short span gives me a lot of hope.
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 7, 2009 9:55 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, it would be soooo nice to go in to next year’s draft without having to worry about getting a QB. If Quinn can continue to play like this and show that he deserves a chance to start again next year then that would be a huge plus for the franchise. We might want to look at signing another veteran backup for cheap but I don’t want to spend a draft pick on a QB (unless it’s a late-round flier).
by Buckeye Brad on Dec 7, 2009 11:44 AM EST up reply actions
If Quinn can continue to play like this and show that he deserves a chance to start again next year then that would be a huge plus for the franchise.
i pray for this haha.
Yes, the new savior. I wonder what Lee Suggs is doing these days.
The way the Steelers are playing, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Quinn put up Gradkowski like numbers this Thursday.
I never called him a “savior”, just hoping that he’ll be a decent QB next year. That’s all.
by Buckeye Brad on Dec 7, 2009 10:55 PM EST up reply actions
I’m just amused at how the phrase “Gradkowski like numbers” means something entirely different today than it would have a month ago. Funny league, the NFL.
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 8, 2009 2:00 AM EST up reply actions
Brady Quinn is a good QB, that we don´t want. He is getting playing time, because we decided to get a return on our investment towards both QB´s, splitting playing time between them quite evenly.
It is true, he has stepped up, and is now a more valuable player. Brett Ratliff is the QB of trust though, even on the sidelines. And ever since we extended that trust, Brady Quinn has had some air to breathe out there. That´s all. We decided in pre season to get off the see-saw regarding Anderson and Quinn, and we´ve followed through admirably.
The draft is not our only option for a new QB, there are several professionals that we are shopping.
You think DA will be on this team next year, Moon? I don’t.
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 7, 2009 9:56 AM EST up reply actions
What’s more, DA knows it. He hasn’t been anywhere near the rest of the team on the sidelines since being benched. He’s just cashing checks and waiting for his walking papers.
DA has to be gone next year. He is now becoming known for catching errant 50 yard bombs out of bounds. Also, when Quinn came to the sideline it was Ratliff who talked to him and not Anderson. Teammate much, DA?
I’m still not sold on Quinn but i’m open to not being completely against him coming back next year. My question is, will Ratliff be the back up? The only way I can see Quinn having success here next year is if he has a non threatening back up, so that he gets starter reps at all times. If that’s the case, it puts us in a dangerous situation should Quinn struggle or get hurt.
"This season has been everything most of us feared it would be[.]"
Mike Rutherford, Card Chronicle
http://www.cardchronicle.com/
You have a point there. I would expect Ratliff to be here in the already evolving future, while I suspect (and hope) Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson are gone. He is a nifty backup, capable of at least running the offense efficiently and has plenty of competetive spirit to be an asset amongst our QB´s. In other words, I´m expecting to bank on him being here, while a lot of others are not.
… Are you talking about Quinn or Ratliff?
Because Ratliff hasn’t seen the field at all this year, and last year there were what, 3 games where our top 2 QB’s were down with injuries? The only reason I even remember what Ratliff looks like is that they showed probably 4 shots of him talking to Brady during the game on Sunday. Which is why I think he will be back next year, but probably just as a #2 or #3 QB behind Quinn.
moon thinks Ratliff should be and will be our starting QB. I was just thinking he would be a nonthreatening back up behind Quinn, but we could be in trouble in the event of an injury to Quinn or if he ultimately doesn’t have what it takes.
Ratliff wasn’t here last year.
One baseball game, he came to the plate and heard a woman in the crowd shout to the pitcher, "I'll make you a chocolate cake if you strike out that 'so-and-so'!" Says Strong: "I hit that ball out of the park. Then I looked at her like, 'Do I get a cake now?' "
Really? Dangit, it was Gradkowski that played the last few games last year wasn’t it? I guess in the end we still haven’t seen much from Ratliff, right? Either way, I agree, I think he’d be a good option for a backup to Quinn. You do raise a good point though… I’d love to have a veteran guy that can come in and ultimately compete for #2 in case something happens to Quinn.
It seems like Mangini allowed BQ to be a little more free and actually run plays to allow him to score rather than to avoid mistakes.
by The Licensed Pessimist on Dec 7, 2009 11:10 AM EST reply actions
This is a positive, because I agree in the past it looked like we were just trying to avoid turnovers.
Maybe they felt some lack of confidence in him so they didn’t want him to go out there doing too much until he loosened up. He still dumped off a lot but it was cool seeing him spead the ball across the entire field. His deep ball were still pretty terrible but hopefull thats something he can work on
by The Licensed Pessimist on Dec 7, 2009 12:12 PM EST up reply actions
How sweet would it be if Quinn can continue his solid play and we manage to steal a win on Thursday?
I’ll settle for the solid play from BQ!
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 7, 2009 3:54 PM EST up reply actions
One question I have for the Browns coaching staff (and you guys) is why don’t we at least consider moving Cribbs to RB? He’s certainly big enough/touch enough and while I like Harrison and Jennings, Cribbs is far and away our best runner. No idea how he would do in pass protection but I’d imagine he couldn’t be any worse than Harrison. Blocking IMO is more of a “want to” rather than God given talent anyway IMO.
Just seems like we are squandering his talent in a “Randel El” type role when he should be used more like Miami has used Ronnie Brown.
Yeah I know what you mean. Cribbs is just ridiculous good at running the ball. I think the biggest thing is that he’s really confident in his running ability, too. He knows when he touches the ball he will get yards. When you watch him run the wildcat, and when any other team watches him run the wildcat, basically everyone in the stadium knows he will be keeping the ball. I mean, fundamentally the teams have to account for the other 1 or 2 or 3 guys back there with him so he doesn’t dump the ball off for a huge gain. He did dump the ball off on one play yesterday if I remember correctly, but the rest of them he just made people miss.
This dude is insane. Imagine how much energy it has to take to return punts and kicks, be on the punt and kickoff coverage teams, play wide receiver, AND run the wildcat. Maybe that’s why we don’t play him at RB? We have a pretty thin WR group, and I think having Cribb’s talent and experience on it is a must. So basically… I think we don’t play him at RB because it’s a punishing position and would lower his game at the many other positions he plays.
I would love to see what Cribbs can do as a running back because when he gets the ball now it’s almost a given he is running but he still gets positive yards. Also he runs hard and has speed.
Conspiracy alert
I wonder if the utilization of Cribbs has anything to do with his contract situation. Sorry had to say it.
"This season has been everything most of us feared it would be[.]"
Mike Rutherford, Card Chronicle
http://www.cardchronicle.com/
He’s under contract. They’re using him. Move on to the next conspiracy, please.
"Nobody ever thinks, 'Hey, maybe I’m actually an idiot.'" - Jay
by woodsmeister on Dec 7, 2009 10:10 PM EST up reply actions
Obviously he’s under contract and obviously he stated that he would like to rework his contract. Whether you think he should be able to or not, his contract was an issue in the off season prior to the start of this season and will most likely be an issue this off season.
One baseball game, he came to the plate and heard a woman in the crowd shout to the pitcher, "I'll make you a chocolate cake if you strike out that 'so-and-so'!" Says Strong: "I hit that ball out of the park. Then I looked at her like, 'Do I get a cake now?' "
I dont think Cribbs would make a good running back right now, it is not just here if the ball find the hole. He needs to learn to tuck the ball, run inside the tackles, quick handoffs, blocking, did I mention hold onto the ball, protect it? Now if they commit to that in the off season and work with him, then maybe.
http://prideofcleveland.blogspot.com/
Good call. I just want to see him used more. I’d be hard pressed to say he would help us much as a receiver, but we have to find ways to get him the ball. He’s easily our most explosive player and offensive threat.
One baseball game, he came to the plate and heard a woman in the crowd shout to the pitcher, "I'll make you a chocolate cake if you strike out that 'so-and-so'!" Says Strong: "I hit that ball out of the park. Then I looked at her like, 'Do I get a cake now?' "
Whether you like it or not, Cribbs’s contract is a point of disagreement between him and the organization. Thankfully Cribbs’s has kept his word and not made it an issue during the season and has continued to give the same effort that he has given since joining the team. Also, many have questioned the gameday use of Cribbs throughout the season, just as they questioned the benching of Quinn and the continued playing of Anderson.
When I see the success Cribbs has when used out of the wildcat, as opposed to lining up as receiver, and the sporadic use of hi, I wonder why.
One baseball game, he came to the plate and heard a woman in the crowd shout to the pitcher, "I'll make you a chocolate cake if you strike out that 'so-and-so'!" Says Strong: "I hit that ball out of the park. Then I looked at her like, 'Do I get a cake now?' "
I just wish they would use Cribbs like we used Metcalf back in the 90’s would make so much more sense to use him on sweaps and toss plays with screens and swing pass plays then the way we are useing him now.
by Brownsfan4ever on Dec 8, 2009 4:02 AM EST up reply actions
Also if he can play running back well, I would rather have him do that and try to replace his other contributions with other players.
"This season has been everything most of us feared it would be[.]"
Mike Rutherford, Card Chronicle
http://www.cardchronicle.com/
Wouldn’t it be nice if someone we have at RB already would pan out? I liked what Harrison and Jennings did against San Diego… That would be my best case scenario, but if that doesn’t work then I’d love to see Cribbs at RB sometimes.
And I was thinking about saying if he plays RB then we’d need to pay him RB money, so you’re not alone in that thought :-)
I would love for those guys to pan out and for Davis to come back and contribute. That would be one less need we would have to address in the offseason or draft. Also, with a legit running game Cribbs becomes even more dangerous when in the backfield.
How can I be so hopeful when we have 1 victory?
"This season has been everything most of us feared it would be[.]"
Mike Rutherford, Card Chronicle
http://www.cardchronicle.com/
Cleveland fans are basically always hopeful. We’re not the “there’s always next year” sports town for nothing!
It could be worse though, you could be like me and be hopeful AND support Mangini :-)
I support Mangini I just don’t completely trust him yet. He seems to have some kind of vision for the future, I just don’t know what it is or if it’s good.
One baseball game, he came to the plate and heard a woman in the crowd shout to the pitcher, "I'll make you a chocolate cake if you strike out that 'so-and-so'!" Says Strong: "I hit that ball out of the park. Then I looked at her like, 'Do I get a cake now?' "
naw in order to truly compliment BQ we need a serious workhorse at RB. Harrison is like Terrell Suggs and Jennings…well is jennings.
by The Licensed Pessimist on Dec 7, 2009 12:17 PM EST reply actions
I would love a workhorse, but, after Lewis, if we can rush for 100 yards a game with these three, I would take that and try to address other areas first.
"This season has been everything most of us feared it would be[.]"
Mike Rutherford, Card Chronicle
http://www.cardchronicle.com/
Hmmm… a 3-headed running attack reminds me of a decently successful division rival of ours… I like it.
If Quinn, stays our playcalling has to reflect his strengths and minimize his weaknesses. For some reason we seem to want to push our square peg QBs into round holes and vice versa. With some semblance of a running game every player on our team will look better than they do now. Not that they should all still be on the team, but it will make everyone else’s job easier.
One baseball game, he came to the plate and heard a woman in the crowd shout to the pitcher, "I'll make you a chocolate cake if you strike out that 'so-and-so'!" Says Strong: "I hit that ball out of the park. Then I looked at her like, 'Do I get a cake now?' "
Was it kwoog who argued this?
But the coaches have learned that you can’t project how he’ll play in the game based upon practice.
4. In terms of throwing the ball
Guess I need my bowl of crow!
One baseball game, he came to the plate and heard a woman in the crowd shout to the pitcher, "I'll make you a chocolate cake if you strike out that 'so-and-so'!" Says Strong: "I hit that ball out of the park. Then I looked at her like, 'Do I get a cake now?' "
i knew our running game was better this week, but 5.2 YPC? i didn’t remember being that successful, that’s awesome.
We outrushed the Chargers but they had some short passes turn into big plays.
One baseball game, he came to the plate and heard a woman in the crowd shout to the pitcher, "I'll make you a chocolate cake if you strike out that 'so-and-so'!" Says Strong: "I hit that ball out of the park. Then I looked at her like, 'Do I get a cake now?' "
i love how evan moore, the guy we got off the practice squad, was our leading receiver. but if he and quinn can get some chemistry, i definitely won’t complain. he caught nearly everything thrown to him and it was only his first nfl game. hopefully he’ll continue to show some promise.
Anyone notice anything on Moore’s blocking? I would love for him to actually turn into a productive player on the team even if it’s just as a 2nd TE.
Will we find our depth by scouring practice squads? Did moon advocate this?
One baseball game, he came to the plate and heard a woman in the crowd shout to the pitcher, "I'll make you a chocolate cake if you strike out that 'so-and-so'!" Says Strong: "I hit that ball out of the park. Then I looked at her like, 'Do I get a cake now?' "
Heh. Moon was right.I just like reading it.
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 7, 2009 3:44 PM EST up reply actions
he caught nearly everything thrown to him
A huge selling point for me. Nice to see someone who just pulls everything in for a change!
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 7, 2009 3:44 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe you didn’t notice but we have the Robert Royal at TE.
Championship!
by Bernie19Kosar on Dec 8, 2009 11:22 PM EST up reply actions
cough cough
Ahem. Oh, I’ve noticed Royal alright. Unfortunately!
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 8, 2009 11:56 PM EST up reply actions
I won’t be too high on him yet. Sure, he got into the skin of the Charger’s defense, but I wonder how much of it was due to a surprise factor. They probably thought Moore would be in to block most of the time since he’s new. They had no game tape of him either.
I think he’s a good blocker though.
I’m just excited he caught the ball when it was thrown to him.
One baseball game, he came to the plate and heard a woman in the crowd shout to the pitcher, "I'll make you a chocolate cake if you strike out that 'so-and-so'!" Says Strong: "I hit that ball out of the park. Then I looked at her like, 'Do I get a cake now?' "
here’s something positive:
“Over the last three games Quinn has accounted for eight touchdowns. Prior to that the team only had five for the year. The most important stat may be that he has not thrown any interceptions during that stretch.”
I complained a lot about Quinn at the first of the year because I wasn’t seeing anything at all from him. In the last few starts he has definitely shown us something… a spark definitely. I think it has something to do with “comfort level” in the pocket; and this is irrespective of how well the O-line is doing. It just seems that sometimes he gets nervous in the pocket and starts watching the rush too much. In the last few games I’ve been seeing less and less of the nervous pocket presence and more confidence. When Quinn plays with confidence he really excels. I also like that he has been great in taking care of the ball (talking about interceptions here). Some of the other newer starting QBs this year have struggled with interceptions and Quinn has been great. I also like his mobility but he needs to get better at sensing the rush; sometimes he actually runs into the rush instead of away from it but for the most part he is good.
Right now I’m getting cautiously optimistic that we might have a decent QB. I’d like to see that as we could use our high pick on something other than a QB. You can do a lot with a QB who makes a fair amount of plays and doesn’t throw interceptions. We have 4 more games to see him develop. If he has more upside potential we should see continuing improvement.
Brownsyup
having the chiefs and the raiders left we should see some more good games from him.
and i hope he continues to play like that so i can see “cleveland browns— jimmy clausen” off of mock drafts.
The lack of INTs is nice, but that coexisting with a productive passing game is awesome. Could BQ actually grow into that accurate short passing quarterback with a few long throws in his holster, like we might have envisioned? Not to get too excited over a couple of nice games, but I’m sure hoping so!
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 7, 2009 3:49 PM EST reply actions
I think there’s loads of potential upside on this whole offense- it’s ridiculously young- if only davis pulls through we could even have a nice RB tryptych.
Which would allow us to focus the draft on DE, LB & S (assuming Pool can slide to CB); maybe one more OL?
i’m trying not to get my hopes up too much, but at least we know he can do something against a good passing defense. had he not fumbled, he may have had 4 TD passes. i think if you give him a good RB and a nice o-line, he’ll do well.
and i hope to god this season is the last time we see DA on our roster. someone mentioned maybe getting pennington to mentor quinn… i wouldn’t have a problem with that.
While I am all for the idea of Pennington mentoring Quinn (especially since their styles are similar), I don’t see it happening if Mangini is here next year. If I remember correctly, Mangini soured on Pennington in 2007. I know Mangini likes his former players and all, but what about the ones that he later came to view as worse than Kellen Clemens?
"There is a small, but important difference between peeing in the pool and peeing into the pool." - Demitri Martin
ah yeah that’s true about mangini. i didn’t really think about that. clemens could be a possibility. he’s a FA next year, i think.
No. Let there be No Doubt. We're terrible.
Try to pump yourself all you want. The fact is: we’re the worst in the league. All these people talkin’ about how we look mediocre against S.D. Or how we don’t look that bad.
It’s like an abused woman. “Well, the macaroni and cheese WAS a little cold. Maybe I deserved it.”
Bullshit.
We’re the worst team in the league. That’s a fact.
DP
LMAO
I’d be with you any other week but this week was the start of a meaningful last 4 games for figuring out if we go after Clausen with the first pick or Suh. Now yes I’d like for Quinn to play like he did toward the end of the game at the beginning of the game, then it would be more meaningful then playing against prevent defense. And if the browns go back to their old ways next week then I’m back to my pessimistic self
by The Licensed Pessimist on Dec 7, 2009 5:35 PM EST up reply actions
I hope we never planned to use the first pick on Clausen.
One baseball game, he came to the plate and heard a woman in the crowd shout to the pitcher, "I'll make you a chocolate cake if you strike out that 'so-and-so'!" Says Strong: "I hit that ball out of the park. Then I looked at her like, 'Do I get a cake now?' "
That we are tied for being the worst team in the league is a fact. That we are the worst team in the league is opinion.
There is no doubt we are bad, but we didn’t play too poorly on Sunday. SanDiego is leading their division and is 9-3, and we didn’t get crushed by them like we have been crushed most of the year. That’s improvement in my book.
Improvement from being really really bad to being not quite as really really bad, but improvement nonetheless.
When you go from bad to good, what do you see? Immediate domination? Should we be unhappy unless we go from losing 31-3 to winning 3-31? Aren’t there going to be steps in between like maybe we don’t get shut out? I had a conversation with this guy today that had this attitude… basically unless we win we suck. I asked him some of these questions and basically we ended up at the end with him saying we aren’t good until we win the Super Bowl. With an attitude like that, not only do the Browns suck but life in general sucks.
Brownsyup
Gosh, you’re right. I’ve seen the light. I’m turning in my dawg tags and rooting for Buffalo this week!
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 8, 2009 2:10 AM EST up reply actions
Mann oddjob-
Rocland just called you pessimistic. That is saying something.
And stay away from the bad language.
fka "DaytonDogg". Now a contributor to SBN's Dawgs By Nature. www.dawgsbynature.com
Now That I've Read the Comments...
First, sorry for the distasteful language.
Second, when Mangini and company give us nothing to cheer about, I guess you take what you can get. I failed to consider the fact that we are die-hard Browns fans… no matter what.
Thanx for the correction.
DP
by oddjobdrummer on Dec 9, 2009 10:14 AM EST up reply actions
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